Searching for a swimming pool in Hamburg's vicinity.
For the coming sunny weekend, a water quality check has been published by the Health Authority. Four lakes nestled in Seevetal, Harburg have been inspected. One lake, located on Maschener Moor (Maschener Schützenstraße), has slightly elevated Escherichia coli levels compared to the ideal limit. Nonetheless, it's safe to dive in.
In the State Health Authority's latest water quality evaluation, the Maschen Lake appears with an excess E. coli count. To be considered clean, lakes must have less than 100 colony-forming units (CFU) per 100 milliliters of water. The Maschen Lake's June value, at 270, is higher, but still within acceptable health guidelines. A swimming ban would only occur if E. coli levels reached 1800 CFU.
A minor elevation of another intestinal bacterium, enterococci, was previously identified at Pulvermühle pond (Hörstener Weg, Himmelsbruch). However, this did not cause concern. In conclusion, all Seevetal lakes continue to earn the top rating of "excellent quality."
Cooler temperatures of late ensure a refreshing swim: Lake temperatures range from 18.5 to 19 degrees (average temperature in 2024 was 21 degrees). According to Andreas Wulfes, Harburg district spokesman, temperature distribution within the lakes can differ. Shaded areas and groundwater inflows can sometimes be significantly cooler.
People who prefer swimming pools can look up the addresses for Harburg and surrounding area pools, including entrance fees and hours, below.
Public Swimming Pools in Southern Hamburg
Location: Lake in the Great Moor - Accessibility: Zwischen den Seen/Zum Großen Moor and a larger parking lot on a meadow.
Distinctive Feature: Idyllic forest surroundings, busy in summer evenings. Grilling in designated containers allowed, although litter may sometimes be left behind.
Location: Pulvermühle pond - Accessibility: Hörstener Weg, Himmelsbruch. Food truck available from May to October. Plentiful space for sunbathing.
Location: Lake in the Maschener Moor (Maschener Schützenstraße) - Accessibility: Mobile toilets, rubbish bins, and parking spaces available at shore. FKK area designated.
Location: Ramelsloher Badeteich - Accessibility: Zum Badeteich. More open shoreline without tree cover.
Location: Badeteich Holm-Seppensen - Accessibility: Within Nordheide camping area. Water tested for only a few weeks in summer.
The June 10th measurement confirmed top quality water in three out of four Seevetal lakes. However, blue-green algae are a common quality concern, particularly during high summer. They can cause skin irritation, nausea, or vomiting in humans. The authorities advise avoiding affected areas with algal blooms or cloudy water.
The next laboratory test is scheduled for mid-July, with a visual inspection planned for late June. The temperature increase can potentially lead to water pollution becoming a risk as temperatures rise.
The four Seevetal lakes heat up at varying rates. The Maschen Lake and Lake in the Great Moor tend to warm more slowly, whereas the Pulvermühlenteich and Ramelsloher Badeteich typically warm faster. However, current water temperature and forecasted temperature increases for summer 2025 are unavailable. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's recommended to contact local Hamburg district environmental offices, swimming lake management authorities, or check official websites monitoring water quality and temperature in Harburg’s recreational lakes.
Sources:- Lower Saxony Bathing Water Quality 2025- Swimming Lakes in the Harburg District- Water Quality Standards for Recreational Waters- Cyanobacteria and Blue-green Algae
- Despite the slight increase in Escherichia coli levels at the Maschen Lake, it remains deemed safe for swimming, as the count is still within acceptable health guidelines.
- In addition to the three lakes with top-quality water, the Maschener Moor lake, specific home-and-garden locations like the Pulvermühle pond, and various home-and-garden destinations offer alternative options for water activities and relaxation over the weekend, following lifestyle choices.
